A civic reception on the squad's return to Wales is also being planned.

Shared experience

Wales are in the play-off for third place on Friday at 08:30 BST after their narrow 9-8 defeat by France. They will meet Australia, who lost the other semi-final on Sunday to hosts and favourites New Zealand 20-6.

We are going to support the lads, so we will have another crowd here on FridayGerry Toms, General manager, Millennium Stadium

The Welsh Rugby Union has reacted to the sending-off of captain Sam Warburton, which many believe cost Wales the chance of making the final. Warburton has also been banned for three weeks, meaning he will miss the play-off.

Chief executive Roger Lewis said the WRU was disappointed with the suspension but "respects the process which has been followed and understands the disciplinary procedures in place".

Mr Lewis said: "The WRU further wishes to state its unequivocal support for Sam Warburton as a role model and exemplary captain who has led Wales to formidable success in the competition so far."

In a statement released by the WRU, Warburton said: "I am naturally disappointed with the outcome, but now my job is to focus entirely on supporting the boys in their preparations for Friday's match".

Image caption
Many families made an early start to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience

Warburton had tweeted on Saturday: "Disappointing end result. Thanks for support back home and to those in the stadium, sure Delilah was sung more than once! Not over yet!!!!"

Fans snapped up free tickets to watch the Cardiff screening of Saturday's match in Auckland. The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) installed a giant 100 sq metre screen on the pitch, along with the stadium's two permanent large screens.

Initially, 25,000 tickets were released, but organisers released tens of thousands more when the huge demand became clear.

The attendance was given by the WRU as 61,543 - almost 3,000 more than watched the game itself at Eden Park.